Abstract: A desalination and cooling system integrating an Ejector Cooling Cycle (ECC) and an Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) system. The ECC system includes a generator, an evaporator, an ejector, and a condenser. The generator produces a primary flow of refrigerant, the evaporator provides cooling and a secondary flow of the refrigerant, and the ejector combines these flows to generate a super-heated stream of the refrigerant, which the condenser cools. The AGMD system, comprising a feed chamber, a coolant chamber, an air gap chamber, and a membrane with pores, allows water vapors from a hot stream to pass from the feed chamber to the air gap chamber of the AGMD system. The ECC and AGMD systems are connected at the condenser, where the super-heated stream of the refrigerant heats the cold stream to produce the hot stream, facilitating efficient desalination and cooling.

Abstract: A method and an electrocatalytic electrode for electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide to methanol are provided. An exemplary electrocatalytic electrode includes copper (I) oxide crystals electrodeposited over an atomically smooth copper electrode.

Abstract: A method for forming an atomically smooth surface on a copper electrode through electropolishing and the atomically smooth surface are provided. An exemplary method for forming an atomically smooth surface by electropolishing includes placing a copper foil in an electrolyte solution including ethylene glycol and phosphoric acid. The copper foil is coupled to a current source. Current is applied to the copper foil to electropolish the copper foil. The electropolishing is stopped when the electropolishing is completed.

Abstract: A method for forming an atomically smooth surface on a copper electrode through electropolishing and the atomically smooth surface are provided. An exemplary method for forming an atomically smooth surface by electropolishing includes placing a copper foil in an electrolyte solution including ethylene glycol and phosphoric acid. The copper foil is coupled to a current source. Current is applied to the copper foil to electropolish the copper foil.

Abstract: A method and an electrocatalytic electrode for electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide to methanol are provided. An exemplary electrocatalytic electrode includes copper (I) oxide crystals electrodeposited over an atomically smooth copper electrode.